Bihar's next CM will be from BJP, says Shahnawaz Hussain

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shahnawaz Hussain said on Sunday that the next Chief Minister (CM) of Bihar will be from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"There is no doubt that the next CM of Bihar will be from the BJP," said Shahnawaz Hussain while addressing a press conference in Patna, his first ever in the city after Lok Sabha elections 2014.

The statement came amid news of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Janata Dal United (JDU) alliance for the upcoming assembly by-polls, over which he also said that despite the alliance only BJP will win the elections and Bihar will get its new Chief Minister from the BJP.

JD (U), RJD and Congress have apparently reached an understanding to contest 10 Assembly seats together in Bihar by-polls to be held on August 21.

A final announcement of the alliance and seats each of them would contest would be made after former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar returns to Patna from Mumbai on July 30.

By-poll on 10 Bihar seats, necessitated by the election of some MLAs to the Lok Sabha and resignation of others, is being viewed as the "semi-final" before the crucial Assembly poll, due next year.

Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for uniting the nation, Hussain said that he is working upon his promise of development with unity 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas'.

He even held Modi credible for uniting former nemesis, Ex-Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

"While Modi is uniting everyone in this country, it's because of him only that today Nitish and Lalu are also together. He is working towards fulfilling his promise of development with unity," said Hussain.

Moreover, reacting to the ongoing communal violence in Uttar Pradesh over clashes in Saharanpur between two groups on a patch of disputed land close to the city's railway station, Hussain criticised the state government for deliberately creating communal tension.

"I appeal to the people to maintain peace. The BJP and the centre are ready to extend their support," he added.